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Top American Destinations To Avoid In 2013
Here's the thing, though: I'm a pretty open-minded traveler. I've had plenty of unpleasant run-ins, transportation failures and otherwise terrible experiences – it comes with the territory. But I'm also not one to throw an entire city into the negative category. Instead, I took the most complained about places and looked into why they have a stigma, and conversely, wrote about what might make the social media users change their minds. Maybe the bad taste in these travelers' mouths will never go away, but hopefully this will end up changing some perceptions.
Detroit, Michigan
Complaint: "just plain depressing"
The Point: Once one of America's most prosperous cities, today Detroit seems more like a post-industrial ruin. Corrupt city officials, economic decline and budget mismanagement have caused law and order to break down in the city. In October, the Detroit Police Officers union went so far as to warn visitors to enter the city "at their own risk," and ALT (Alternative Luxury Travel) travel agency called Detroit the "Most Dangerous U.S. City to Visit for Gay Travelers" because of its increase in crime and the shuttering of a high number of landmark gay bars.
The Counterpoint: If you're looking for trouble in Detroit, you can easily find it – but that doesn't mean it will find you. The city still has a thriving music, art and theater scene, drawing creatives from around the country and world to live and visit here. And if you like cars, you can visit museums dedicated to both Ford and Chrysler, take a tour of the former estates of auto barons, or check out one of the many automobile-related annual events. There is still a lot of hope for this city, and earlier this year Gadling even wrote about it as a sustainable city to watch.
Reno, Nevada
Complaint: "ZERO attempt at a culture"
The Point: Reno makes the list of cities to avoid because, as one Twitter user put it, "it felt like where old gamblers go to die." It bills itself as the second largest tourist town in Nevada, and can't seem to shake the runner-up epithet of a tame, rundown version of Las Vegas. Most people sell the city by pointing out how close it is to Tahoe, which isn't really a reason to stay in Reno at all.
The Counterpoint: If you don't like casinos – Reno's number one tourist attraction – it might seem you are in trouble. The truth is, this city has the same good eats, music, nightlife and boutiques you find in any other major metropolitan areas – you just have to search a little harder to find the gems. The Nevada Museum of Art also has a surprisingly prestigious collection and is well worth a visit (even if it's just to kill some time during your layover to another destination). Yes, the pace of life is slower here than other major metropolitan areas, but many visitors might find that a redeeming quality instead of a negative one.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Complaint: "dodging trucks that were allowed to drive on the beach"
The Point: When you imagine a day along the shore, you probably don't conjure images of laying your beach towel next to cars and trucks. On parts of Daytona Beach, automobiles are allowed to park in the sand during select hours of the day, making the beach vibe turn from tropical to tailgating party.
The Counterpoint: Here's the thing: Daytona Beach is the home of NASCAR, so if you're visiting for a racing event, you probably don't mind a few cars on the beach. In fact, you might even enjoy the novelty of it. If you're not into it, that's OK too: there are plenty of other stretches of sand in for you to discover.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Complaint: "boring and flat"
The Point: Salt Lake City doesn't top many travel bucket lists, mostly because the local culture isn't too supportive of those who like to imbibe. Just a few years ago, the capital of Utah lifted a prohibition that limited the number of bars on each city block to two, but the city can't seem to escape the conservative stigma.
The Counterpoint: Fostered in part by the Sundance Film Festival, Salt Lake City has a growing film and art scene. Summer visitors can watch live bands outdoors during the annual Twilight Concert Series, and those who come in winter should know that the city is known for its close proximity to the slopes – 14 ski resorts are within an hour of Salt Lake City. Year round, the city has many small businesses worth seeking out, which makes it a great destination for those looking to skip chain restaurants and big box stores. And if your complaint is that the city is flat, take a trip to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, and you might be surprised to find out how beautiful a flat landscape can be.
Los Angeles, California
Complaint: "smoggy and snooty"
The Point: Los Angeles is notorious for its smog, a haze produced by millions of vehicles operating in a low basin surrounded by mountains. It's also an expensive place to visit, and the people who live there have a reputation as struggling actors, models and rock stars who will do anything to get ahead.
The Counterpoint: Multiple California government agencies have been working to reduce smog. It's still a major problem, but it's not a reason to avoid the city's numerous landmarks and other attractions. Besides, the nearly 4 million people who live there don't seem to be too turned off by it. And that sheer number of people discredits the "snooty" point. Choose your company wisely and you can avoid self-important people with stars in their eyes – or at least learn to roll your own eyes and walk away.
Do you echo these social media users' sentiments, or can you get behind one of the cities above? Similarly, if you had a bad experience in a U.S. city and think it should be on the list, let Gadling readers know in the comments below.
Editor's note: In an earlier version of this article, the population of Los Angeles was incorrectly identified. The article has been updated to accurately reflect the current population of the city.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Ben Amstutz]
Complaint: "just plain depressing"
The Point: Once one of America's most prosperous cities, today Detroit seems more like a post-industrial ruin. Corrupt city officials, economic decline and budget mismanagement have caused law and order to break down in the city. In October, the Detroit Police Officers union went so far as to warn visitors to enter the city "at their own risk," and ALT (Alternative Luxury Travel) travel agency called Detroit the "Most Dangerous U.S. City to Visit for Gay Travelers" because of its increase in crime and the shuttering of a high number of landmark gay bars.
The Counterpoint: If you're looking for trouble in Detroit, you can easily find it – but that doesn't mean it will find you. The city still has a thriving music, art and theater scene, drawing creatives from around the country and world to live and visit here. And if you like cars, you can visit museums dedicated to both Ford and Chrysler, take a tour of the former estates of auto barons, or check out one of the many automobile-related annual events. There is still a lot of hope for this city, and earlier this year Gadling even wrote about it as a sustainable city to watch.
Reno, Nevada
Complaint: "ZERO attempt at a culture"
The Point: Reno makes the list of cities to avoid because, as one Twitter user put it, "it felt like where old gamblers go to die." It bills itself as the second largest tourist town in Nevada, and can't seem to shake the runner-up epithet of a tame, rundown version of Las Vegas. Most people sell the city by pointing out how close it is to Tahoe, which isn't really a reason to stay in Reno at all.
The Counterpoint: If you don't like casinos – Reno's number one tourist attraction – it might seem you are in trouble. The truth is, this city has the same good eats, music, nightlife and boutiques you find in any other major metropolitan areas – you just have to search a little harder to find the gems. The Nevada Museum of Art also has a surprisingly prestigious collection and is well worth a visit (even if it's just to kill some time during your layover to another destination). Yes, the pace of life is slower here than other major metropolitan areas, but many visitors might find that a redeeming quality instead of a negative one.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Complaint: "dodging trucks that were allowed to drive on the beach"
The Point: When you imagine a day along the shore, you probably don't conjure images of laying your beach towel next to cars and trucks. On parts of Daytona Beach, automobiles are allowed to park in the sand during select hours of the day, making the beach vibe turn from tropical to tailgating party.
The Counterpoint: Here's the thing: Daytona Beach is the home of NASCAR, so if you're visiting for a racing event, you probably don't mind a few cars on the beach. In fact, you might even enjoy the novelty of it. If you're not into it, that's OK too: there are plenty of other stretches of sand in for you to discover.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Complaint: "boring and flat"
The Point: Salt Lake City doesn't top many travel bucket lists, mostly because the local culture isn't too supportive of those who like to imbibe. Just a few years ago, the capital of Utah lifted a prohibition that limited the number of bars on each city block to two, but the city can't seem to escape the conservative stigma.
The Counterpoint: Fostered in part by the Sundance Film Festival, Salt Lake City has a growing film and art scene. Summer visitors can watch live bands outdoors during the annual Twilight Concert Series, and those who come in winter should know that the city is known for its close proximity to the slopes – 14 ski resorts are within an hour of Salt Lake City. Year round, the city has many small businesses worth seeking out, which makes it a great destination for those looking to skip chain restaurants and big box stores. And if your complaint is that the city is flat, take a trip to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, and you might be surprised to find out how beautiful a flat landscape can be.
Los Angeles, California
Complaint: "smoggy and snooty"
The Point: Los Angeles is notorious for its smog, a haze produced by millions of vehicles operating in a low basin surrounded by mountains. It's also an expensive place to visit, and the people who live there have a reputation as struggling actors, models and rock stars who will do anything to get ahead.
The Counterpoint: Multiple California government agencies have been working to reduce smog. It's still a major problem, but it's not a reason to avoid the city's numerous landmarks and other attractions. Besides, the nearly 4 million people who live there don't seem to be too turned off by it. And that sheer number of people discredits the "snooty" point. Choose your company wisely and you can avoid self-important people with stars in their eyes – or at least learn to roll your own eyes and walk away.
Do you echo these social media users' sentiments, or can you get behind one of the cities above? Similarly, if you had a bad experience in a U.S. city and think it should be on the list, let Gadling readers know in the comments below.
Editor's note: In an earlier version of this article, the population of Los Angeles was incorrectly identified. The article has been updated to accurately reflect the current population of the city.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Ben Amstutz]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Skiing, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 11)
Nailbunny Jan 7th 2013 1:31PM
As a current resident of Los Angeles and a former resident of Salt Lake City, the way this article characterizes these cities is made up entirely of stereotype.
The LA valley was hazy when settlers first arrived. Los Angeles' air is a product of the Eastern Pacific's tendency to produce hazy water vapor in horizontal layering, some of the haze you see is pollution but you can' t compare LA's and Chicago's air by sight alone.
The cultures of LA are extremely diverse, anyone who thinks otherwise has been watching too many movies. If your experience of LA is one that includes snootiness then I suggest you get your butt out of Westwood, Santa Monica, and West-LA and go visit Pasadena, Los Feliz, or Toluca Lake for real people.
Salt Lake City an hour away from every climate you can think of and has some of the best breweries I've encountered on all my travels. If you want a memorable beer visit Squatters, if you want a great cocktail at an even better price go to Bar-X.
If you don't go into a place with preconcieved notions, you're not likely to bump into any negative stereotypes.
tourpro Jan 7th 2013 3:02PM
Agree, LA is too big and diverse to be lumped together. Do some research before you go, and it definitely helps if you know a local.
LInda Jan 8th 2013 3:08PM
LA is way to big to say any of the things you said ,, yes smog now and then when there is no breeze but a lot of that is fog also from the ocean which is close by ,, I love LA and when we get a chance to take a trip that is where we go ,, you will never be bored if you are looking for something to do ,, Down town LA is old like most of the big citys but all the sounrading places are not , there is everything beach, mountains, amusemant parks of all kinds, amazing food everywhere, tours everywhere ,, to much to say ,, go see but LA County is 500 miles so there is lots to see and do ,
fyah Jan 8th 2013 3:47PM
im born and raised in los angeles, california people who dont fit in always have a problem with something...i love california and there is no place like it.... ur right stereotypical comments
Naomi Jan 8th 2013 5:50PM
As far as i am concerned, LA is the city of Fruits and Nuts, and on certain days, even he oranges suck back! Telling us tha the air is not all that bad? Gee sounds pretty delusional ... I remeber the days when the sun looked like a hazy barely orange blob in the sky.. I would live there if you paid me for it ... As for the beaches? What a pity loaded with condo's and a tine strip of Sand..
Mike Jan 8th 2013 5:52PM
LA is an ARMPIT!
Tyler Jan 8th 2013 6:42PM
Born and raised in Los Angeles and I agree with the author of this article 100%. I cannot imagine why anyone in their right mind would move here. It's way overcrowded and the air quality is absolutely horrible. The closer you are into Hollywood the d**mber, ditzier and impatient they are. The closer you are to the beach, the nice and more laidback they are. There is a big difference between Los Angeles and California.
Rich Jan 9th 2013 2:30AM
I've lived in L.A. for 7 years now and i have to say that the majority of Angelenos are pretty stuck up and self centered. However this is just a slight majority. There are many well grounded and even hospitable people here as well. The trick is to stay out of the large urban areas where people are competing for the same two jobs and square footage. keep to the cities surrounding L.A. and enjoy.
ricolib Jan 8th 2013 12:50PM
Mark Twain said Hartford CT was the most beautiful city in the entire world.... poor guy is rolling over in his grave.... Hartford now is a totally dead city.
Priness1 Jan 8th 2013 2:08PM
Mark Twain may have called Hartford Connecticut the most beautiful city in the U.S., but he also called the Pali Lookout on the island of Oahu in Hawaii the most beautiful place on earth. If you want to go to one of the best vacation spots, come to Hawaii. Yes the air fare is kinda pricy, but there are lots of hotel rooms for less than $100 a day, many with kitchenettes. But if you come here, get out of Waikiki. There is so much more to Hawaii besides that.
M A Jan 8th 2013 1:24PM
Oh u usa people......are so ignorant......
America is stil a continent.........and SOOO much bigger than the messed up places describe in this idiotic hugely ignorant article.....sad that in such a country as the usa people are just not educated.....
Joe Jan 8th 2013 2:06PM
Let me guess, you're from a country in South America or Mexico/Canada that can't grasp that when someone says American it is often a reference to the United States of America because USA is the only country on either continent to have America in the title? Therefore, the point of this article is to list the top places in the USA NOT to visit. Also, we say Europeans, Africans or Asians to refer to people from those continents. We say North American or South American to refer to citizens of those respective countries. American = citizens of the United States. All Americans are North American, not all North Americans are American.
Or do you think the USA is a continent?
What is your point?!?!
jim Jan 8th 2013 1:20PM
LOS ANGELES IS THE BEST CITY TO VISIT. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO AND SO MANY PLACES TO GO. SO A LITTLE SMOG GET'S IN THE WAY IT'S NOT WORTH TO MISS SEEING LOS ANGELES. THE BEACHES, THE MOUNTAINS.
THE DESERT, THE PEOPLE AND THE GREAT PLACES TO EAT ALL KINDS.
PLUS THE GREAT DISNEYLAND AND ON AND ON AND ON/
pgs Jan 8th 2013 2:01PM
I resent the fact that you put Disneyland in LA... so do you put the porn industry in the San Fernando Valley in LA
I do not want to be associated with LA... OC is so much cleaner, safer and more appealing than LA...
jshikany Jan 8th 2013 1:26PM
Are you kidding me? They list Detroit and Reno as the two WORST cities to visit? First of all, Detroit is first simply because of an old stereotype. Obviously, the child who wrote this article spent zero time researching. Detroit is a great place to visit. It has all the problems and drawbacks of every other big city and that's about the worst of it. There's so much cool stuff to do in the Detroit area you'd have to spend a month to just get started. And the cuisine there is second to none. And the rap on Reno is that is has no culture. I can't even comment on that moronic comment. Because as we all know, Americans who travel are clamoring for as much culture as they can get. That goes without saying...right? Come on. This article is yet another example of a complete lack of journalism and another "story" being slapped together by someone who is just thinking of how good he/she thinks something will sound. And so it goes.
Libby Jan 8th 2013 1:34PM
If you had actually read the article you would realize that the entire piece is about dispelling stereotypes. Try again, and then let me know your thoughts.
aki Jan 8th 2013 1:39PM
Yeah Right, when the soldiers in the battle zones of Iraq and Afghanistan are SAFER than citizens living Detroit..... Wake Up!
You must be a YUPPY who pretends that there is nothing wrong with the city when you drive in, act like a cool guy being in Detroit and drive back to Daddy's house in the burbs.
Yeah, I know a whole bunch of COOL people like you. I live amongest them.
freckles Jan 8th 2013 9:46PM
No culture in Reno? I must have dreamed subscribing to the "Broadway in Reno" series. I must have dreamed attending the Reno Philharmonic. I must have dreamed enjoying the many independent plays/shows/art/music. Not to mention the Nevada Museum of Art, and the opportunities afforded by having University of Nevada/Reno right here in town, complete with lecture series, presentations by the music and drama departments, etc. etc. etc.
karlyn Jan 8th 2013 1:59PM
Your comments about Daytona are incorrect! There are miles and miles of "no drive" beaches that rival any beaches in the world. The beaches are flat, very wide, packed sand, and safe for all. NASCAR races were held on the beach in Ponce Inlet before Speedway was built and it is a lovely spot.
jononymouse Jan 8th 2013 1:34PM
Where is Chicago....500 murders in one year for Chicago.
Is that an asset to the makers of this list or a liability?